Antique Vintage Art Nouveau 14k Gold Rose Gold Sardonyx Signet Wax Seal Pendant

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We have similar Sardonyx items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search " Sardonyx" under our auction items.Listing Description by: Cait P.The PieceAuction Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000Age Circa: Art Nouveau C. 1890 - 1910Markings : Unidentified maker's mark on the bale, Tested, and GuaranteedCountry of Origin: UnknownBrand: UnknownGram Weight: 13.1 GramsMetal Type: 14k Rose GoldMetal Melt Value: $360.00 (Value All-Inclusive Weight)Material : --Main Stone : SardonyxMain Stone Measurements/Color: 9.06 carats, 21.85 mm long, 15.25 mm wide, 1.9 mm in depth, opaque white, black, and red huesAccent Stone: --Accent Stone Measurements/Color: --Stone Treatment: The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.Stone Cuts: Carved and polished cabochonItem Measurements: The pendant is 1.6" long, 0.80" wide, and 0.40" in depth. The bale opening measures 8.2 mm long by 4.4 mm wide.Closure/Clasp Type: Standard BaleLink Type: --Pendant Type: Drop PendantNotable Features: This necklace pendant was handmade during the Art Nouveau era. Composed of 14k rose gold, the locket pendant features beautiful sardonyx stones. The style of the pendant suggests it would have been worn as signet jewelry. Traditionally, signet jewelry was used to officiate documents by pressing an engraved metal or carved stone into wax to create the image of a crest, coat of arms, or monogram that served as the seal. While no longer necessary for this purpose during the Art Nouveau era, interest in Medieval and Renaissance jewelry during this time period saw signet jewelry enjoy renewed popularity and become part of the wardrobe of any well-dressed aristocrat.There are two sardonyx stones in this piece, each carved into a rectangular cabochon to show off the natural banding throughout the stones. One stone displays opaque black and white banding, while the other is red and white. Neither stone features an intaglio carving or engraved monogram, a rare find in signet jewelry from this time period, and, if desired, your local jeweler can easily add a carved design to the stones. To keep the stones secure, they rest in rose gold bezels on either side of the locket, the warm hue of the gold contrasting nicely against the black and white of one stone while complementing the rich red of the other.A wide border of rose gold surrounds the stones, giving this piece significant gold value. The locket is opened from the side via a hinge to reveal a hollow interior perfect for storing photos of loved ones or other small trinkets. The pendant is completed with a large rose gold bale, allowing it to be worn on a variety of antique chains and necklaces. A classic example of signet jewelry from the Art Nouveau era, this pendant would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection. Don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.Damage: Age appropriate wear. Patina on the rose gold gives this piece an antique quality which we believe is quite lovely.*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*The HistoryThe Art Nouveau era, 1890-1910, was also called "La Belle Epoque" in French, which translates to "A Beautiful Time.â This was very true due to the gorgeous designs that came out of this period. This era focused on women and the beauty of nature and the pieces were often large. Enamel was a common material used in Art Nouveau jewelry as the period was more about the importance of the design over the materials used to create it. The Art Nouveau period happened before the start of the first World War, when mass manufacturing took over the production of many products, including some jewelry.Signet rings have a long and regal history, with their earliest... read more

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